Inayatullah Khaliq, director of the newly formed grouping, said they held a meeting to set up the network with the aim to jointly highlight problems in the north-east zone and share then with relevant institutions.

“For the first time, we are taking the initiative to build a new network in the zone as we have security, corruption and other challenges,” he said.

Saifuddin Saees, who spoke on behalf of civil society organizations from Badakhshan province, said the coalition was aimed at creating coordination among the activists in dealing with challenges of the zone.

“It is useful to have a network with the goal to achieve peace and security,” said Saees.

Kunduz governor Asadullah Omarkhel said civil society activists served as a bridge between the people and the government.

“Civil society activists have been making their efforts day and night to reduce problems and ensure peace, security, good governance,” Omarkhel said.